Ohio State Football: 3 reasons the Buckeyes will beat Cincinnati in Week 2

Heavily-favored Ohio State football takes on the Bearcats in an interstate matchup in Columbus. Here’s why the Buckeyes will take care of business.

This could be a case of little brother versus big brother except for the fact that this is only the 17th meeting between the two schools. Ironic since they are separated by a two-hour or so car ride on Interstate 71.

They haven’t played each other since 2014, and Cincinnati hasn’t won since 1897. They won’t win Saturday, either, and here’s why.

3. It’s a home game for Ohio State

The Buckeyes have lost a grand total of one home game in the last three years and that was to Baker Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners. That streak won’t end Saturday. Odds are it will be a sell-out — or close to it — at Ohio Stadium, and “The House that Hayes Built” will be rockin’.

The Horseshoe at Ohio Stadium is one of the more underrated home field advantages in all of college football. This is an opportunity for the Buckeyes to use this home field advantage to take the Bearcats out early.

The Buckeyes need to use that raucous crowd to get off to a quick start. They don’t want that Bearcats running game to get going. Convert early 3rd downs, and get Justin Fields in a rhythm throwing the football. Feed JK Dobbins the ball early and often. They need some three and outs or a turnover early to keep the home fans engaged through the entire game. Keep that home crowd on their feet all game long.

Most important, the Buckeyes need to use that home crowd energy to fuel them to score touchdowns. This is one of those games where the Buckeyes need to put the Bearcats away early if they can.